Colorado Animal Welfare Conference Session
Best Practices For Sanitation And Disease Control
1:15-2:30pm • aug. 21, 2025
City LIghts 1
Shelter Operations
In this session, we’ll dive into effective strategies for preventing disease outbreaks in animal shelters and beyond. We’ll cover key aspects of shelter sanitation, including what needs to be cleaned, where, and how. We’ll distinguish between sanitation and disinfection, discuss how to recognize common diseases, and explore the various types of cleaning products available and how best to use them. You’ll leave with practical insights on how to use these products to maintain a clean, safe environment that promotes the health and well-being of the animals in your care.
Elaine Wood
Elaine Wood is the director of animal welfare at Humane Colorado, where she has dedicated the past 10 years to advancing the organization’s mission of improving the lives of animals across the state. With a wealth of experience in animal welfare, Wood has held leadership roles at several organizations, including serving as the operations director for the Humane Society of Weld County and as the shelter services program manager with American Humane.
Her background is grounded in science, holding a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, which provides her with a unique perspective on the intersection of animal care and disease control. Her passion for improving animal shelter practices is reflected in her work to establish and refine best practices in sanitation and disease management, ensuring that animals in shelters are not only safe but also thriving.